Dispute resolution for mobile home site residents now available

The Government of Alberta recently announced that mobile home site tenants and landlords can now apply to the province’s dispute resolution service for eviction-related matters. AUMA members have passed several resolutions on this topic in the past, and we are pleased to see that our advocacy has contributed to a successful outcome.

Effective June 1, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) will accept applications from mobile home site tenants and landlords for urgent issues related to site possession and termination of tenancy. The RTDRS is a faster, less formal, and less expensive alternative to the court system that helps resolve tenancy disputes for Albertans renting residential properties. The RTDRS application fee is $75, while provincial court fees can range from $100 to $200. This application fee may also be waived if it would cause financial hardship to the applicant.

At this time, priority is being given to applications for urgent mobile home site possession and termination of tenancy-related matters. However, non-urgent mobile home site applications, e.g. those related to damages and security deposits, will be received beginning in fall 2020. The RTDRS is increasing its staff by four in response to increasing demand for the service.